vipers5397

Hello all,
I got the parts, but no one, even any of my local dealers(yes dealers) have or maybe don't want to, give me the installation instructions for it. I got it from Sewells months ago and only had time now to try to install it. I called them today and have to wait a few days to see what they can find. They list the install instructions for the 05 and above hitch on their website for both parts.
Anyone out there have them and could post the pdf?

My GX470 is a 1/2004 prod

If you have installed it and remember how, post that please.

Thanks.

BobsGX

Did Lexus make a change that requires a different mounting sequence? They may have just changed the small body colored panel that is above the hitch. Can't you just use the current instruction?

vipers5397

No, the current instructions don't match what the under side of my GX's bumper looks like. It does not have the bolt locations. I'll try to snap a pic and post that. Sewells replied and gave the same answer the other dealers said, there are no instructions for that model hitch, which makes no sence. I'll try calling Lexus corp again.

Anyone with a 04/04 or ealier model GX, Does the head/front of the hitch bolt up to the rear? Or does the hitch only bolt up to the frame on the sides? My GX does not seem to have a place to bolt the head up to.

vipers5397

But, everyone has been able to tell me the part/part number I have is the right hitch for the month/year prod GX I have.

vipers5397

Images of the rear, under the bumper. Note, there are no bolt locations under the bumper, just metal.

Bob GX

vipers
I just took these photos - take a look and see if it shows what you are looking for. Let me know if you wanted some different views.

Note that my bumper has the rectangular trip piece for the 5,000 # hitch - I started out with that, and when I switched to the 6,500 they didn't switch the trim piece back.

This is my first attempt at posting photos, so if they don't come through I'll try again.

Bob GX

I think I figured out the file size thing - took three photos, I'll post them in three posts...

Bob GX

Another view, a little closer. Note the bracket pieces going up into the bumper

Bob GX

A bottom view of the hitch

vipers5397

Thanks Bob. My issue seems to be I don't seem to have that bolt location that the head of the hitch bolts too? I removed th trim peice and looked under it, no bolt locaitons at all. I think I'll need to go to the dealers. You think that item is missing?

FYI. I Bought the 6500 hitch just like yours and you have the lower prod year like I do, so I don't understand why I don't see the same stuff under the truck. And, from the looks of it, the other hitch would not work as well, since those bolt locations are needed for that one as well? Did they make a GX that does not support towing at all?

Capirato

I believe they did. That is why I was able to buy a Plain cover to replace the Notched one. The Plain covers were for GXs without the
ability to utilize OEM hitches.

Because my GX came with a Hitch Kit, there was metal behind the notch which I had to cut out with a Sawzall to enable me to install
the Plain cover.

Later on, Lexus eliminated the Notched covers and came out with covers with a bulge in the center to accommodate the metal I had
to cut out.

~ Cap

directfml

Im guessing they did cause mine has the flat plate covering the back. Let me know how the addition of the tow package turns out.

Capirato

My guess is that you can have a Curt Hitch and an electrical outlet installed as well, on you '08 GX.

~ Cap

vipers5397

Hey Cap, great idea. Saw that above post from towing prep package posting. The Dealer told me to remove the support brackets under the bumper to see if the bolt locations are there. If I don't find them, I'll just bolt it up and weld the center to the frame. So no matter what, I'm going to get the hitch on this week. I'll be sure to post pics and what I ended up doing.

directfml

Sounds good, thanks!

ps. mine is an 04'